Since ancient times, cosmetic clay has had the status of an excellent and effective means in facial and body skin care. Cleopatra herself regularly used it to maintain youthful and beautiful skin.
The beneficial effects of mineral clay were widely used not only in cosmetology, but its properties were also valued in medicine. Pharaonic doctors used it as an excellent remedy with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects. In addition, it was included in the composition during mummification. Ancient healers used it to make various types of rubs, medicinal ointments and pastes. Cosmetic clay was also used for internal use if it was necessary to achieve an absorbent effect. With its help, they got rid of bacteria and removed toxins from the body. Also, natural mineral clay was used for serious poisoning, muscle pain, and epidemics.
Modern use in medicine and cosmetology.
Cosmetic clay is widely used in the field of cosmetology; it is usually included in various face masks that have a cleansing and drying effect. Clay has wonderful property, like a sponge, it absorbs excess secretions of the sebaceous and sweat glands. In addition to its cleansing properties, it relieves inflammation and redness, and also relieves skin from peeling. Clay-based masks are especially effective for oily, combination and dry skin. It should also be noted that clay has the ability to enhance the bactericidal properties of certain substances, which is why clay is included in anti-inflammatory ointments and masks.
Types of cosmetic clays.
In general, there are several types of clay in nature, and all of them not only differ in color (due to different mineral composition, depending on the place of origin), but also have various properties, which is why they are used in cosmetology and medicine to solve various problems. Clay can be white, blue, green, red, yellow, grey, black and blue. You can buy natural cosmetic clay at almost any pharmacy or cosmetics store.
It should be remembered that when using cosmetic clays, it is necessary to mix their types or dilute them with the addition of other components only in clay dishes, but not in iron ones. Since cosmetic clay loves light, it is important to expose it to the sun.
White clay (Anapskaya).
The most commonly used of all types of cosmetic clay is white or kaolin; it is added to masks, ointments, and anti-diarrhea remedies. Often used to treat skin diseases, gynecological diseases, and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. White clay also perfectly removes toxins.
Most effective action this type has an effect on oily (absorbs excess secretions of the sebaceous glands), mixed and problematic skin face, perfectly cleansing it, drying out pimples (acne) and inflammation, narrowing pores, and also providing a lifting effect. But it is contraindicated for use in the presence of rosacea. It should be noted that this type of cosmetic clay has the property of whitening the skin. She also helps women correct the oval of their face and make it more even. Due to its antiseptic properties, white clay is added to various means for facial care with bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effects. Systematic use of white clay increases the elasticity of the skin, makes it velvety, and improves complexion.
The use of this type of clay is also beneficial for hair. Masks based on it make hair thicker, more manageable and eliminate dandruff. The effect will be noticeable after a week or two of use.
Blue clay (Cambrian, Valdai).
It contains a huge amount of salts and microelements that are necessary for the beauty and youth of our skin. Thanks to its stimulating effect, blue cosmetic clay gives a pronounced rejuvenating effect; it is especially effective for oily skin. Regular use of blue clay prevents acne; thanks to its disinfectant and astringent effect, it dries out small inflammations and pimples, and also effectively smoothes out facial wrinkles.
In addition to the cleansing effect, this type of cosmetic clay nourishes the skin at a deep level, supplying skin cells with necessary substances and the energy of natural compounds, stimulating regeneration processes in the tissues of the epidermis, which helps accelerate the healing process of wounds and damage to the skin. Cosmetics based on blue clay activate blood circulation and accelerate metabolic processes in skin cells, restoring firmness, elasticity and a healthy appearance to the skin. It is also worth noting that this clay has a slight lightening effect on freckles and age spots.
The use of blue clay for hair, due to the presence of silicon in its composition, activates hair growth and also helps eliminate dandruff.
Masks based on it are also effective for use on the legs to improve blood microcirculation, reduce swelling and heaviness in the legs. In addition, such products can help cope with cellulite, sweating, and eliminate bad smell, and also prevent fungal and bacterial diseases.
Green clay.
The green color of this type of clay is due to the content of iron oxide in it. Most often used in cosmetology, it is added to masks, wraps and compresses. The clay composition, rich in microelements, helps restore the skin's water balance and also provides excellent absorbent properties. The use of green clay cleanses and softens the skin, eliminates inflammation and irritation, smoothes wrinkles, and also has a drying effect. It is often recommended to improve capillary blood circulation, as well as general skin rejuvenation. Masks based on it perfectly cleanse pores and get rid of oily shine. This type of clay can be combined with other types.
It should also be noted that this clay is recommended for use in baths to relieve stress, tension, fatigue and irritation. This recommendation is due to the property of green clay to remove negative energy accumulated during the day.
Red clay.
The color is due to the presence of copper and iron oxide in the composition. This type of cosmetic clay is recommended for the care of dry, dehydrated, and sensitive skin prone to allergic reactions. Products based on red clay, in particular masks, improve blood supply processes in the tissues of the epidermis, help soften and moisturize the skin, perfectly exfoliate the dead layer of cells, eliminate itching, irritation and redness on the face. In addition, they perfectly eliminate signs of flaking skin. Also, this type of clay can help in caring for aging skin, as it improves oxygen saturation of tissues. It is often prescribed for a lack of iron in the body. Red clay is often combined with white clay.
Red clay is also effective in hair care; products based on it help nourish hair follicles, strengthen weak and brittle hair, and also eliminate oily seborrhea.
Pink clay.
Pink cosmetic clay is recommended for the care of any skin type. It is obtained by mixing red clay and kaolin, which allows it to have the effect inherent in both types of clay. Its use promotes skin rejuvenation, smoothing wrinkles and tightening the facial contour. The use of masks based on it cleanses, nourishes and softens the skin, restoring elasticity and having a refreshing and regenerating effect. Baths based on pink clay promote deep hydration of the skin, have a tonic effect, improving metabolic processes in tissues.
Yellow clay.
This type of clay contains a huge amount of iron and potassium, which helps improve oxygen supply to tissues, and also determines its ability to remove toxins in cases of various inflammatory processes. Masks based on yellow clay have a tonic effect, improving complexion. It is recommended for use in the care of oily, combination, aging and dull skin.
Thanks to its rare chemical composition, experts recommend it for the correction of various cosmetic blemishes, as well as as a prophylactic against many skin diseases. Yellow clay has the ability to absorb waste products of the body, in addition, it has a detrimental effect on pathogenic bacteria. Baths based on it perfectly relieve fatigue, help accelerate metabolic processes in tissues, improving the appearance of the skin.
Gray clay.
This type of cosmetic clay is mined in the sea at great depths. Its use gives a pronounced moisturizing and toning effect. In most cases, it is recommended for the care of problematic, dry and dehydrated skin. Gray clay promotes deep detoxification of the skin and the body as a whole.
Gray clay-based masks effectively cleanse and deeply nourish the skin, tighten pores due to their antiseptic properties, have a healing effect on acne and boils, and also have a pronounced rejuvenating effect.
The use of clay in hair products helps strengthen hair, prevent brittleness and hair loss, and also prevents peeling of the skin.
Gray clay baths perfectly soften rough skin of the hands and feet, heal small cracks and damaged skin.
Black clay (Dead Sea).
This type of clay contains iron, strontium, magnesium, quartz and calcium. Products based on it perfectly cleanse the skin of impurities and toxins and tighten pores. Most suitable for the care of combination and oily skin, as well as for normal skin types.
Mud therapy using black clay helps improve blood and lymph circulation, as well as metabolic processes. In addition, procedures based on it stimulate tissue respiration, regeneration processes, and promote the resorption of inflammation processes. Masks based on black clay serve as an excellent means of moisturizing and toning the skin.
Wraps with black clay give an excellent effect of reducing volumes, as they help burn fat deposits.
Blue clay.
Masks based on blue clay have a cleansing, whitening and softening effect, help tighten pores, and also have a pronounced rejuvenating effect. Baths using this type of clay have an antiseptic effect and accelerate the regeneration processes of skin cells.
In addition, it has a stimulating effect on metabolic processes in cells, increasing blood circulation and providing an anti-stress effect. Blue clay is recommended for use on any skin.
Every woman has heard about the benefits of cosmetic clay. It occupies one of its worthy places among skin care products. Most cosmetic companies use it to make creams, masks, shower gels and solutions for wraps. Clay is also suitable for home use. Based on it, you can create many simple but effective products.
Before purchasing this product, you need to understand its types, which are distinguished by color. The shade indicates the presence of substances that give it different properties and have different effects on the skin.
Properties of white clay
One commonly used type is white, often called kaolin. It is included in many cosmetic skin care products, even for children, and is often used in dermatology and solving hair problems.
The main properties of white clay are bleaching and deep cleansing. It eliminates skin impurities, absorbs excess fat and sweat, dries, tightens pores, has an antiseptic and bactericidal effect, and with regular use normalizes the functions of the sebaceous glands. All this makes kaolin clay the ideal remedy for oily and problem skin.
White clay will help:
- improve skin health;
- even out complexion;
- relieve irritation and redness;
- saturate the epidermis with sodium, potassium, zinc and silicon;
- quickly heal micro-wounds;
- make the dermis more elastic and elastic
- rejuvenate the skin.
IN pure form white clay can be used for combination and oily skin, for dry and normal skin, it must be combined with moisturizing and softening components, otherwise it can dry out the skin.
Properties of blue clay
Blue or Cambrian clay has a rich mineral composition. It can be used as an independent product and as one of the components of masks, peelings and cosmetic preparations. The properties of blue clay make it an excellent product for caring for problematic, oily and aging skin. It restores the skin, renews dermal cells, cleanses, refreshes and has a lasting tightening effect. More blue clay has the following effects:
Green clay has the following effects:
- strengthens nails, epithelium and hair;
- slows down the aging of the skin;
- normalizes metabolic processes in dermal cells;
- tightens pores;
- has a tonic effect;
- regulates the functions of the sebaceous glands.
Properties of black clay
The peculiarity of black clay is that it contains biologically active substances that normalize fat metabolism in cells. Using this type of clay for wraps and mud therapy allows you to reduce the volume of the body, eliminates inflammation, normalizes metabolism, improves blood flow, and activates regenerative and protective processes in the body.
The use of black clay on the face slows down skin aging and quickly heals damaged areas of the dermis.
Properties of yellow clay
This type of clay is endowed with sorbent properties - it removes toxins from the dermis and enriches it with oxygen. Has an excellent effect on sagging and aging skin.
Properties of pink clay
This type of clay contains a lot of silicon, however, it has a balanced mineral composition. Such properties of pink clay make it possible to use it for all. It gently cares for the dermis, relieves irritation and inflammation, has a soft smoothing effect and nourishes the skin. Pink clay is an excellent remedy for treating brittle hair and nails.
It is easier to choose clay for the face among all the variety of types when you know about the healing properties of each of them. White, blue, green, yellow, pink, red - each variety affects the skin in its own way.
You should choose a natural remedy based on the problems that concern you. Facial care requires an individual approach. After consulting with a cosmetologist, you can accurately determine your skin type and choose suitable look clay.
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Useful properties and applications
Clay is a universal element that is used not only in construction, but also in cosmetology. It is the main ingredient that is often included in face masks and compresses.
Cosmetic clay is widely used both in salon and home care.There are many types of it (each of them has its own application characteristics):
- gray;
- white;
- blue;
- yellow;
- red;
- pink;
- green;
- black.
Each variety affects the skin differently. Clay contains useful elements such as iron, magnesium, calcium, copper. Its use significantly improves the appearance of the epidermis. This makes it a product that can be used by people with any skin type.
Red clay is ideal for people with sensitive epidermis, while green clay combats excess oil. White clay deeply cleanses of impurities. Thanks to its ability to remove dead cells, it leaves your facial skin looking rejuvenated and radiant.
Green clay
It is able to penetrate deeply into the cells of the epidermis, making the skin look fresh and elastic. The antiseptic properties of green clay help cope with oily shine and inflammation. It not only prevents the appearance of acne, but also removes its consequences. Often used to treat dermatitis and eczema.
Of the varieties that are offered to the consumer, green clay is best suited for treating acne and caring for oily skin in general. She is capable of:
- deep cleanse (due to antibacterial properties);
- good at absorbing excess sebum;
- eliminate acne and blackheads;
- tonify;
- tighten pores;
- remove traces of scars left after acne;
- have an antiseptic and calming effect.
Face masks – The best way use natural product to achieve healthy looking and radiance of the dermis. Clay in powder form is used to prepare them. It can be purchased at a pharmacy or natural cosmetics store.
Masks should be prepared only in a plastic or wooden container, since the rock loses its beneficial properties in iron containers.
The clay mask tends to harden. It is not recommended to keep the clay on your face until it dries completely. You can't remove it in pieces. To completely rinse off the composition, use warm water.
The universal composition of the mask, which is suitable for any skin type, includes 1 tbsp. l. green clay and Not a large number of water. The ingredients must be mixed until a sour cream consistency is obtained, and applied for 10–15 minutes.
To treat inflammation and rashes, you can add 2-3 drops of jojoba oil to the mask, and instead ordinary water use mineral. Jojoba oil effectively fights germs, and clay moisturizes and softens.
Red and pink
Red (or pink) clay is ideal for sensitive and dry skin. Useful components have a calming and antiseptic effect, combat peeling and irritation on the face.
Included cosmetics red and pink clay is responsible for a number of important functions:
- cell nutrition;
- oxygen saturation;
- elimination of burning and itching sensations;
- maintaining the level of elastin proteins.
Pink clay is not found in its pure form. This is a mixture of red and white breed. Cosmetologists use pink clay for sensitive skin. It has a soft and delicate effect on the dermis. Effectively fights irritation, enlarged pores and fine wrinkles. The product is often used for rejuvenation purposes.
Red clay is of volcanic origin. It is rich in magnesium, copper, silicon and iron. Has a beneficial effect on problem skin. Effectively fights oily shine and comedones.
White
The face is the most vulnerable place for pollution. Due to environmental influences, daily makeup and the habit of touching with hands, pores quickly become clogged, inflammation and peeling appear. White clay deeply cleanses the skin, prevents the growth of bacteria, and makes the dermis firm and elastic. It is suitable for sensitive and dry skin. Effectively fights pigment spots, evens out complexion, smoothes out fine wrinkles.
Masks containing white clay are used 1-2 times a week. They are applied for prevention, maintaining the health and cleanliness of the epidermis.
For the nutrition that sensitive skin especially needs, a mask with the addition of honey is excellent. It is prepared as follows:
- for 1 tbsp. l. clay put 1 tsp. liquid honey;
- add boiled water;
- mix the ingredients until a homogeneous mass is formed.
The mask is kept on the face for 30 minutes. Then wash off with warm water. The treatment is completed by applying face cream.
Yellow
Thanks to its absorbents, the yellow variety is widely used to cleanse the skin of harmful toxins. It has a tightening effect and nourishes dermal cells well. Yellow clay contains useful elements: iron, potassium, zinc, manganese, sodium and chromium.
To effectively smooth out facial contours and maintain healthy appearance skin, it is recommended to use a cucumber-clay mask. It includes:
- 1 fresh cucumber;
- 1 yolk;
- 2–3 tbsp. l. milk;
- 2 tbsp. l. clay.
Make a puree from the cucumber, add the yolk and milk to it. The composition is mixed until smooth, and the clay is added.
The mask is applied to the face. Leave for 10 minutes. After this, wash off with warm water. Moisturizer is applied to the face.
The mask effectively nourishes and cleanses the skin, and the cream gives it the necessary amount of hydration. It is recommended to apply the composition 2-3 times a week. With this frequency, the result will be an even complexion, clean and elastic skin.
Blue
Designed to solve problems that arise in people with oily and combination epidermis. It has an absorbent effect, cleanses impurities, mattifies, makes the skin smoother and more elastic.
Blue clay is the most effective of all types. It has a unique chemical composition and contains mineral salts and trace elements. Due to its absorbent properties, it can often be found in cosmetic products. Such care products smooth out wrinkles, cleanse and soften dead skin cells.
After exposure to compounds containing blue clay, the skin may become slightly red. This is a normal reaction. The exception is individual intolerance to the product. With a sharp deterioration in health, burning and other unpleasant sensations the clay must be washed off immediately. This allergic reaction requires medical evaluation.
Gray
It is not widely used in home care due to the fact that it is extracted from the depths of the sea. More suitable for mature skin, helps cope with withering and deep wrinkles. To maintain the optimal amount of moisture and smooth out wrinkles, it is suitable simple mask with dairy products. It includes:
- 1 tbsp. l. clay;
- 4–5 tbsp. l. milk;
- 1 tbsp. l. sour cream.
Clay should be mixed with milk to a thick consistency, add sour cream. Keep the mask on your face for 10 minutes. It is advisable to wash your face with warm boiled water.
Sea clay is suitable for any type of dermis, despite the fact that it is used more often for aging skin. It does not cause allergic reactions, effectively fights dirt and age spots, tightens pores, and relieves inflammation.
Black
Magnesium and potassium contained in black clay have a good effect on blood circulation, improve metabolism, and cleanse harmful toxins. Cosmetic compositions containing it are suitable for dry and oily skin.
For problematic epidermis, it is recommended to use a clay mask with the addition of aloe juice. Black rock tightens enlarged pores, prevents the appearance of acne, and absorbs excess sebum. Aloe relieves inflammation, reduces scars and acne scars. For deeper penetration useful substances It is advisable to steam your face before applying the mask.
A mask containing rosehip decoction and avocado or jojoba oil is effective against acne. Pour 6–7 tbsp into 100 grams of black clay. l. broth (to get the consistency of sour cream). Add 5-6 drops of oil to the mask. Keep on face for 15–20 minutes.
After the procedure, it is advisable to wipe your face with lavender or cucumber lotion. The result of such a mask is immediately visible: redness becomes less noticeable.
Features of using clay for oily and combination skin
Oily skin needs care all year round. A face with this type of epidermis always has a shine due to excessive sebum production.
Increased oily skin is a consequence of hormonal or hereditary factors. Such dermis constantly needs cleansing. Impurities can become clogged in the pores and cause acne.
Clay has a drying property, so it is the best remedy to combat oily shine. In addition to the matting effect, clay has other advantages:
- cleanses of impurities;
- exfoliates dead cells;
- regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
- prevents the appearance of rashes and redness;
- tightens pores;
- saturates skin cells with beneficial substances.
The use of a particular type of clay depends on the problem that needs to be solved. White, green and pink varieties have a drying effect. Yellow, red and blue clay will help to cope with inflammation and rashes on the face.
A feature of combination skin type is the appearance of oily shine in the T-zone and dryness in the cheek area. Caring for mixed dermis requires a specific approach; not all cosmetics can be used.
Girls with combination skin They often encounter problems such as:
- peeling and dryness in the cheek area;
- greasy shine in the T-zone (nose, forehead, chin);
- pore contamination;
- laxity of the skin.
Clay is a natural product; it is able to regulate the functioning of the sebaceous glands and moisturize the epidermis.
Cosmetologists recommend using white, blue and green clay. Each variety contains valuable microelements that draw out harmful toxins from the skin, deeply cleanse, relieve inflammation and dry out oily areas.
Clay for dry skin - which is better?
Girls with dry skin know what aging, lack of moisture and increased sensitivity are. To solve these problems, cosmetologists advise using pink, red and gray clay. It is these 3 varieties that contain elements that protect the skin from environmental influences, whiten age spots, moisturize, nourish, restore elasticity and a healthy appearance.
Dry skin is susceptible premature aging, so clay masks are very important to include in facial care. The pink variety smoothes wrinkles well, tones and increases elasticity.
To prepare a rejuvenating mask you will need:
- 5 drops of the drug Aevit;
- pink clay;
- water.
First, clay is mixed with water, and then a vitamin complex is added. The resulting mask is kept on the face for no more than 15 minutes. After the first use, the skin receives a portion useful vitamins and microelements. At constant care fine wrinkles become less noticeable, color evens out.
Clay can be used for the face either in its pure form or as part of cosmetic products. In the first case, the epidermis receives more beneficial microelements. Homemade masks are the most affordable and effective method tidy up your facial skin.
People have been using such a cosmetic substance as clay for beauty and health for a long time. The benefits of this natural remedy are beyond doubt. Clay powder comes in red, white, yellow, pink, and black. Depending on the shade, the substance affects skin covering differently. To choose the right natural remedy for care, it is important to understand its medicinal properties.
Cosmetic clay for face
As a result of the collapse rocks A sedimentary substance, clay, is formed. Depending on its origin, it is divided into marine and continental classes. Being underground or on the seabed, the substance accumulates in layers. Coming to the surface, it absorbs harmful impurities, so before sending it to store shelves, cosmetic product cleaned of contaminants.
The color of the substance depends on the mineral composition and place of origin. Facial clay can be:
- white;
- green;
- blue;
- yellow;
- red;
- gray;
- black.
Why is it useful?
From a chemical point of view, clay is a mixture of aluminum oxide, silicon oxide (50%), organic substances and coloring ions (chromophores). Silicon smoothes wrinkles, gives elasticity to blood vessels, promotes healing, and stimulates collagen production. Aluminum oxide particles act like a scrub, removing dead cells.
Thanks to the macroelements and minerals it contains, a clay face mask has a complex effect: nourishes, moisturizes, tightens, tones. This natural cosmetic product is especially useful for fatty type skin. It adsorbs fat, narrows enlarged pores, eliminates excess shine, fights inflammation and acne.
Another important ingredient is magnesium. With age, its amount in the body's cells decreases, which leads to skin withering, the appearance of wrinkles and age spots. Clay cosmetic masks nourish cells with magnesium. The copper contained in the composition promotes the synthesis of keratin, which plays an important role in the formation of the collagen layer of cells. Clay powder is suitable for any skin type and does not cause allergies. The benefits of clay for the face are that it:
- cleanses of toxins and impurities;
- whitens and rejuvenates the dermis;
- tones;
- improves lymph and blood circulation;
- activates cellular metabolism;
- saturates cells with useful elements.
How to use
To get the desired result, it is important to enrich the clay mass with various additives: essential oils, berries, fruits, egg white, fermented milk products, gelatin, herbs. You cannot prepare masks in advance: only right before use. It is better to choose glass, ceramic, or enameled dishes for these purposes. Do not use an iron container: as a result chemical reaction with metal the mixture will become unsuitable for use.
Clay powder tightens the skin, so when applying it, you need to keep your facial muscles relaxed and motionless. It is advisable to apply the mask in a thick layer. Do not keep the mixture on your face for long. For dry skin, 5-8 minutes is enough, for normal skin – 10, for oily skin – 15. Try not to overexpose the mask, as this will only cause harm. Do not peel off the dried crust: wet the frozen mixture with water, wait until it gets wet, and rinse. To complete the care, a nourishing or moisturizing cream is suitable.
How often can you make a clay mask?
For getting desired result It is important to make clay cosmetic masks regularly, but take a break between procedures. So, girls with oily skin can use the product after 4-5 days, with normal and combined type– 1 time per week, for dry skin – 2-3 times per month. The natural substance absorbs not only dirt and grease, but also moisture, so even with very oily skin you cannot make a mask every day.
Types of clay for the face
There are several types of cosmetic clay. They differ in color and medicinal properties. The natural shade is determined by the mineral composition and the place of origin of the substance. The powder can be white, blue, green, red, black. Varieties of the product can be mixed with each other and other ingredients can be added to make the mask more effective.
Blue
This species is harvested in Bulgaria. The blue tint is due to the silver contained in it. Thanks to this chemical element, the natural substance has anti-inflammatory, disinfectant properties and is an excellent antiseptic. The drug nourishes, softens, tones, tightens pores, eliminates pigmentation and fights age-related changes. Blue clay face mask is suitable for women with normal and combination skin.
Green
The characteristic shade of this type of product is given by iron oxide. The darker the color, the more of this chemical element is present in the substance. The green clay mass contains magnesium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, as well as aluminum, cobalt, manganese, molybdenum and copper. It is recommended to use it for dry skin: the substance perfectly restores water balance and cleanses pores. If you have rosacea, it is better not to use green powder.
White
Clay White powder called "kaolin" or "kaolinite". It has antiseptic properties, destroys bacteria, viruses, microbes, and pathogens of inflammatory processes. This clay saturates cells with oxygen and minerals. Kaolin is indispensable for caring for problem skin with acne, as it has a drying effect.
The white clay mass has a slightly alkaline reaction: pH level 7.0-8.0. Thanks to this, the substance actively fights free radicals. Kaolinite contains zinc, silicon, magnesium, calcium and other chemical elements that have a beneficial effect on the body. Thus, silicon stimulates the production of collagen, aluminum imparts astringent properties, and manganese eliminates oily shine on the face.
Red
This clay powder Designed for girls with sensitive skin prone to irritation and inflammation. The red color is the result of a combination of copper and iron oxide. These components give vitality to tissues and contribute to their elasticity. Red powder saturates with oxygen, improves blood circulation and relieves inflammation. Its absorbent properties are not as pronounced as, for example, green clay powder. The substance is recommended for use in cases of anemia.
Yellow
If you are bothered acne, acne, increased sebum production, make masks from yellow clay. This natural remedy contains large amounts of iron and potassium, thanks to which it removes harmful substances from the body and saturates the epidermis with oxygen. Yellow clay powder is recommended for use on dull, flabby, combination skin.
Black
The natural black substance contains calcium, iron, strontium, quartz, and magnesium. Thanks to this composition, the clay mass cleanses pores and removes dirt, absorbing harmful particles. In cosmetology, it is known as an antimicrobial care product. Black clay powder is suitable for oily skin types: it removes sebaceous shine, stimulates lymph flow, and reduces puffiness.
Clay face mask recipes
A traditional mask made of water and clay is always relevant. It is important to maintain the correct proportions: 3 tablespoons of water to 2-3 tablespoons of powder. Stir the base only after the water has been completely absorbed. IN otherwise, lumps form. The result should be a paste-like consistency. It is better to apply the mask in a horizontal position: as it dries, it pulls the skin down. If you sit at this moment, the effect of sagging skin will appear.
For dry skin
- Mix 3 teaspoons of yellow or pink powder with olive oil until smooth.
- Add 4 drops of carrot seed essential oil.
- Stir until smooth.
- Apply in a thick layer.
- Leave for 15 minutes.
- Wash off with a contrast wash.
For oily skin
If you have oily skin, use masks with white clay in tandem with magnesium, talc or starch. You can supplement the composition with lemon or boric acid, and in the presence of acne - sulfur. To prepare the mask, mix the following ingredients:
- 20 parts white clay;
- 10 parts talc;
- 1 part alum;
- 5 g glycerin;
- 5 g alcohol;
- 30 g of water.
Apply the resulting consistency to your face, avoiding the area around the eyes. Leave for 10 minutes, then rinse with water. To prepare and use a pore-tightening mask:
- Take a spoon of white clay, ¼ spoon of borax, ½ spoon of talc, ¾ spoon of magnesia.
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Add 3% hydrogen peroxide to the consistency of sour cream and apply a thick layer to your face.
- Wait until it dries and remove the mixture with a dry cotton pad.
For normal skin
Nourishing masks with black clay - excellent remedy For normal skin. To complete the procedure, do the following:
- Combine black clay powder with fat sour cream in a 1:2 ratio.
- Stir. If the mixture is thick, add warm milk.
- Apply the mixture to your face.
- After drying, rinse off.
- Apply moisturizer.
For problem skin
A clay face mask is actively used to improve skin condition. The product cleanses the dermis, disinfects it, mattifies it, and has an absorbent effect. The final effect depends on the ingredients. For example, to relieve inflammation and fight pigmentation, use this recipe:
- Take 3 tbsp. spoons of green or blue clay, 15 drops lemon juice, 30 ml of alcohol.
- Mix until smooth.
- Apply to face for 15 minutes.
- Rinse off the mixture with cool water.
- Apply moisturizer.
Doctors say that medicinal and cosmetic clays are not just a basis for medicines, but substances that are medicines in themselves. Leaving indoor application this substance to doctors, let's talk about how it helps make the skin healthy and beautiful.
What is it?
From a geological point of view, clay is a substance that arose due to the destruction of rocks under long-term exposure to water and wind.
From a chemical point of view, it is a mixture of silicon oxide and aluminum oxide with admixtures of coloring ions and organic substances. Silicon prevents skin aging, smoothes wrinkles, and accelerates healing processes. Aluminum oxide in the form of tiny particles (not exceeding 1 micron) gently exfoliates dead particles of the epidermis, making the skin smooth and soft. It also has a drying, astringent effect. In addition, useful macro- and microelements include phosphates, nitrogen, and iron.
Clay is capable of absorbing and retaining water and substances dissolved in it, including toxic ones. This property is used not only in cosmetology, but also by doctors in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Actually, this property contains the answer to the question “does cosmetic clay draw toxins from the skin?”
From a physics point of view, this is a good coolant. The local thermal effect is especially useful for: capillaries expand, microcirculation improves. This effect can also be useful in the treatment of diseases of the joints, muscles and ligaments.
Thus, cosmetic clay, used in our case for the face, has the following properties:
- cleansing and detoxification,
- peeling,
- moisturizing the surface of the skin (important condition: the mask should not be allowed to dry out),
- mineralization of the skin,
- calming effect (relieves redness, irritation and swelling),
- enhances the effectiveness of cosmetics (improves their penetration due to a tight fit).
The shelf life of “pure” (without additional cosmetic ingredients) clay dried to powder is practically unlimited.
Can clay cause allergies? No, he can not. provoke allergic reaction Added active ingredients, such as essential oils, can. You can check the reaction using a standard skin test: apply a small amount of the mixture prepared in the required proportions in the area of the elbow, leave for half an hour, rinse, and after a day evaluate the condition of the skin at the application site.
To prepare masks or wraps, only ceramic, glass or plastic are used - in no case metal! - dishes. The spatula for spreading and applying the mask should also not be metal.
The oilier the skin, the longer you can keep the mask on it, and the shorter the break between procedures. Ladies with dry skin are not recommended to apply the mask for more than 5 minutes once a week. Oily skin allows you to keep the mask for 15 minutes and use it every other day.
Types of cosmetic clay and their properties
White
Also known as kaolin. The most common, chemically neutral, due to which it is used in the pharmacopoeia as a filler for mixing substances that are destroyed upon contact with organic matter. In the same way, it is inert when in contact with the skin: from the white clay itself (without additional components) no chemical substances pass into the skin tissue. But at the same time, cell waste products, pathogenic bacteria, and inflammatory products are perfectly removed. Due to this property, kaolin has a good soothing effect - for neurodermatitis, it reduces swelling and itching.
A mask diluted with water is best for oily skin.
- As a soft scrub:
Dilute the powder with water 1 to 1, apply to the face, massage for 5 minutes, not allowing it to dry out. Wash with cool water.
- As a drying mask for excessive sebum (sebum) production:
Apply the powder diluted 1 to 1 on the face for 10-12 minutes. Rinse off the dried mask with cool water.
Green
Another great option for oily skin. Narrows pores, normalizes the secretion of sebaceous glands, tones. It contains elements such as silver, magnesium, calcium, zinc, cobalt, phosphorus, copper. They improve metabolic processes and help strengthen skin tissue.
- Acne mask
For 1 heaping tablespoon of powder, take ½ teaspoon of grape seed oil and add 3-5 drops of tea tree essential oil. Dilute with water to the consistency of thick sour cream. Apply to face for 10-15 minutes, rinse with warm (not hot!) water.
- Mask for blackheads (comedones)
Add 5-10 drops of lemon juice to 1 tablespoon of powder, add water until the consistency of thick sour cream. Keep on your face for 10-15 minutes, avoiding drying (you can spray your face with water). Rinse off.
Blue
Whitens the skin, tones it, and can smooth out fine wrinkles.
- Whitening mask
Mix blue clay, tomato juice and sour milk in equal quantities.
But best use cosmetic clay blue color– for the body, as an anti-cellulite wrap.
How to do wraps
Before the wrapping procedure, you must do peeling. Dilute the clay with warm water to a paste consistency. Heat in a water bath to a temperature of about 40-45 degrees: the mixture should be hot, but comfortable for the body. If desired, you can add essential oils of lemon, orange, grapefruit, cedar, rosemary (the latter is best not combined with other oils) - but even without them, the wrap is very effective. Apply the mixture to problem areas of the body in a thick layer, wrap in film, and cover with a blanket to prevent heat loss. The duration of the procedure is 20-40 minutes, the course is 8-10 procedures, which are carried out every other day. Clay wraps should not be used when high temperature, thyrotoxicosis, varicose veins veins, pregnancy, cancer.
Pink
Smoothes the skin texture, therefore it is used in masks against wrinkles.
- Mask for aging skin
Mix 2 tablespoons of powder with 1 spoon almond oil, add warm water to the desired consistency. Keep on your face for 5-10 minutes without allowing it to dry out.
- Mask for dry skin
Add a tablespoon to 2 tablespoons of clay peach oil and 5 drops of patchouli oil. Rinse off after 5-10 minutes, do not allow it to dry out.
Red
Reduces irritation, improves blood circulation. Can be used for hot wraps with lipolytic and tonic properties. Good for baths too.
Photo taken from the resource Recommend.ru
Bath with red cosmetic clay
Helps against allergies, inflammation, abscesses. Shake 200 g of clay in the bath. If desired (and if skin tolerates it) add 1-2 handfuls sea salt. You can take such a bath no more than once every 2 weeks.
Red clay can be used not only in the form of baths, but also topically to treat abscesses. To do this, you need to dilute the powder thickly and spread it with a spatula on a piece of fabric in a layer about 2 cm thick. Apply to the affected area, bandage, leave for 40 minutes. The mixture cannot be reused. However, any type of clay can be used in this way: its adsorbent and antibacterial properties will have an effect. Under no circumstances should you heat an abscess!
Black clay
Not recommended for dry and sensitive skin. But for oily people it is optimal. If the question arises, which clay to choose for problem skin, the best option– black. It perfectly absorbs excess fat, inflammatory products, narrows pores, stimulates microcirculation and lymph flow, reducing swelling.
- Deep cleansing mask
To two tablespoons of clay add a teaspoon of calendula tincture and lemon juice. Leave for 10-15 minutes, be sure to apply moisturizer after the mask.
- Homemade scrub
To a tablespoon of powder, add a teaspoon of finely ground coffee, 2 drops of essential oil, and water until the consistency of sour cream. Apply to face, leave for 5 minutes without letting it dry, rinse, massaging gently. This scrub will be good for young skin, but for mature or sensitive skin it is better to limit yourself to just a pure mixture without additives. However, how anti-cellulite agent He's pretty good at any age.
Using cosmetic clay for hair
The properties of clay to adsorb various substances allow it to be used not only for the face. Shampoos and hair masks based on it are a simple and inexpensive way to improve their appearance. These masks are especially good for. Their use helps reduce hair loss and increase breaks between washes. Since dirt is a mixture of excess sebum and dust, clay makes an excellent shampoo. In order to use it in this capacity, clay gruel is generously applied to the scalp, massaged for several minutes and rinsed thoroughly. After clay shampoo, be sure to rinse your hair with acidified water.
- Natural dry shampoo made from pink clay
Mix 5 tablespoons of powder with the same amount of mustard, add a tablespoon of salt, 5 drops each of tea tree and mint oil. Apply to damp scalp, massage thoroughly, rinse. Use balm as desired.
- Shampoo made from cosmetic clay and soda
To 6 parts clay add 1 part talc and 1 part soda.
- Shampoo with horsetail for very oily hair
In a glass of warm horsetail decoction, stir 2 tbsp. l. clay, apply to hair, leave for 5-10 minutes, rinse thoroughly.
- Moisturizing mask-shampoo
3-5 teaspoons of powder, a teaspoon of honey, an yolk, a tablespoon of lemon juice, half a glass of kefir (approximately). Instead of kefir, you can use tea (for dark hair) or herbal infusion. Apply to the scalp and hair, cover with a bag and a scarf for half an hour to an hour, rinse thoroughly (but not with hot water!).
- Mask for dry hair
Mix 2 tablespoons of powder with an equal amount of avocado pulp puree, add a teaspoon olive oil, if necessary - water to the desired consistency. Leave on hair for 30 minutes.
Read about treating dry hair.
- Mask against hair loss
Mix clay with castor oil until thick sour cream. Leave on hair for 30 minutes to an hour.
Get to know folk recipes for hair loss you can in the article “”.
- Mask for oily hair
Brew a tablespoon of dry nettle with a glass of boiling water. Strain. Dilute the clay with broth until it becomes thick like sour cream. Add half a teaspoon of natural apple cider vinegar. Keep for 30 minutes to an hour.
How to choose cosmetic clay
The dry powder should contain nothing other than clay. desired color. Some unscrupulous manufacturers add dyes: this becomes immediately noticeable during dilution. We recommend that you immediately throw away this product, so to speak: you never know what else the manufacturer decided to save on, and where he “dug up” it.
A quality product also does not contain fragrances.
Ready-made clay masks usually come in the form of a paste to which additional ingredients and water have been added. Of course, with an appropriate markup.
The finer the powder is ground, the softer the consistency of the finished mask will be.
Some manufacturers produce white clay in the form of granules - this is acceptable.
But foreign impurities, caked lumps and coarse unground residues are an indicator of low quality.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that clay is a natural cosmetic product suitable for any age, it has the most noticeable effect on young, oily or problem skin. It should be used “in its pure form” by those with dry and aging skin Not recommended. In this case, it must be mixed with base and essential oils and herbal decoctions.
It is good to use body products, both as wraps and local applications. Instead of wraps, you can also use baths, but in this case the procedure is done once every two weeks.
Hair masks, like skin masks, work best when there is excess sebum and oily seborrhea. Lovers of natural dry shampoos will love homemade shampoos with clay as the main ingredient.
